Roger Sharpe is a legendary pinball figure and designer most famous for demonstrating pinball as a game of skill in a 1976 testimony to the NYC Council, which led to the legalization of pinball machines. He is a game designer (co-designer of Barracora), licensing consultant, pinball historian, and author who has been instrumental in the pinball industry's development. He is the father of Josh and Zach Sharp, and remains an active and respected voice in the community, appearing at major events like Pinball Expo and serving as a judge for industry awards.
No aliases
Roger Sharp believes one of the major issues in modern pinball is that players lose sight of the ball; exit paths are more critical than entry points
Roger Sharp has been approached about reissuing his pinball book
Roger Sharp's father died at age 52, which influenced his perspective on lifespan expectations
Historical pinball figure; still active in pinball; subject of film 'Pinball, the man who saved the game' about NYC pinball ban
Subject of documentary film shown during Expo week; appeared at event with wife Ellen; hosts had personal connection to film about pinball and life stress
Pinball figure of interest to community; commemorative figure produced by Kineticist
Pinball legend; subject of limited action figures (100 units, $130 each, sold out first day)
Subject of the biopic 'Pinball The Man Who Saved the Game'; pinball historian and industry figure known for the 1976 legal case establishing pinball as a game of skill
Credited with saving pinball in New York City post-ban era; MXV distinguishes him from Gary Stern, noting Sharp's impact was citywide while Stern's was industry-wide
No linked glossary terms
Roger Sharp never lived his life with regrets (would have, should have, could have)
Mike Stroll offered Roger Sharp a vice president position at Williams in 1980
Roger Sharp intends to attend Chicago Expo and has scheduled multiple domestic and overseas appearance commitments
Roger Sharp's book about pinball industry may be re-released; Sharp stated he uncovered a stash of copies
Roger Sharp may attend Pinball at the Beach in St. Petersburg, Florida (February 6-8)
Roger Sharp's movie 'The Man Who Saved Pinball' (2022) includes interviews with Harry Williams discussing his career
Roger Sharp and Harry Williams came close to designing multiple games together for Brunswick's home machine line but the project 'faltered'
Early pinball designers treated game history as 'disposable' and did not deliberately build upon or reference earlier games
IFPA founder Roger Sharp agrees that tournaments should use timed formats instead of full game play
Roger Sharp was a guest on Special When Lit around episodes 50-60 and met in person with Ken and Bill at Jamesons restaurant
Roger Sharp proved in 1976 before the New York City Council that pinball was a game of skill rather than luck, resulting in lifting the NYC ban.
Roger Sharp helped lift pinball bans in the 1970s by proving pinball was a game of skill
Roger Sharp wrote the introduction to the book
A biographical film about Roger Sharp and pinball is in development
The biggest hurdle for most people is that they think the ball is not controllable
Pinball was based on skill, not on chance
Players can accomplish things they've never accomplished before through controlled flipper play
'Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game' biopic begins production in October with Joel Courtney and Crystal Reed as leads
Roger Sharp argued before the New York City legislature that pinball was a game of skill, making it legal
Roger Sharp stated on Super Awesome Pinball Show that Joe Kamenkal is getting the Harry Potter pinball license
Standard pinball licensing agreements are typically three-year contracts with possible extensions based on product success
Harry Potter as a pinball license represents a larger licensing challenge than Star Wars due to greater brand control
Stranger Things was a strong licensing property but failed to reach the core pinball buyer demographic
A biopic of Roger Sharp is in early development with multiple production companies
Roger Sharp was 14 years old when he started in the pinball business; Addams Family released in 1992
Roger Sharp and Steve Epstein founded IFPA competitive pinball structure together
Pinball Expo's top four finishers last year were all under age 20
Roger Sharp stated that Barracuda was originally intended to be called Las Vegas
Steve Epstein and Roger Sharp were best friends for 45 years
Roger Sharp helped with Hot Wheels IP licensing negotiations
Roger Sharp proved that pinball was a game of skill, overturning the NYC ban and fundamentally changing Broadway Arcade's business model and success.
Keith Owen was previously unknown to Roger Sharp but demonstrates strong knowledge of pinball design principles
Roger Sharp provided input and guidance on the Attack from Mars remake
Traditional coin-op distributor networks have consistently failed when attempting direct-to-consumer sales models historically
Global reach and service infrastructure require regional distributors rather than direct international shipping
Roger Sharp has shaved his iconic mustache multiple times over the years, not just recently
Roger Sharp prevented pinball from being completely banned in New York City in 1976 by demonstrating it as a skill game
Roger Sharp testified in a Cincinnati court case that established pinball as a game of skill to legalize free play in Ohio
Roger Sharp testified before NYC Council in 1976 and demonstrated pinball as a game of skill, leading to legalization
Roger Sharp has been involved in pinball for approximately 40 years, wrote a book on pinball, testified in New York to help legalize pinball, designed games, and is recognized as a skilled player
Documentary filmmaker and pinball historian; director of 'Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game'; scheduled for live Q&A on Canopy streaming service September 12 at 12 p.m. Eastern
Co-founder of Papa in 1980s with Steve Epstein; father of Josh and Zach Sharp; legendary figure in competitive pinball; subject of upcoming movie project
Pinball historian and licensing expert featured as guest for part one interview on the episode
Upcoming guest on The Super Awesome Pinball Show; referred to as 'the man who saved pinball'
Referenced as licensing authority for Williams pinball tables in Pinball Arcade
Referenced as authority on Williams licensing expectations; likely represents WMS licensing/IP concerns for FarSight de-licensing decisions
Former Williams executive; original contact/mentor for Farsight on TPA project; no longer with company
Pinball historian/expert featured in Drunk History episode about pinball prohibition, appeared in 1970s mustache
Josh's father; historical figure who 'saved pinball' (presumably referring to 1976 skill vs. chance legal case); provided contacts for original Cactus Canyon team research
40-year pinball veteran, book author, testified in New York to help legalize pinball, game designer, and skilled player providing expert commentary on Medieval Madness design
Competed at Expo pinball event post-Turner Pinball showcase; Don observed him take stage
Assists with Hot Wheels licensing negotiations; known for licensing work across multiple manufacturers.
Pinball industry figure; mentioned as getting movie and discussing licensing with Final Round podcast
Involved in incident with Stu McVicker that led to IFPA ban; has continued ban in current IFPA administration
Patriarch who deliberately kept sons out of competition until older to preserve enjoyment
Pinball historian, author, designer, and industry advocate; famously played pinball before NYC Council to prove it a game of skill; founded PAPA with Steve Epstein; directed marketing at Williams; consulted with multiple manufacturers; executive producer of biographical film
Pinball industry founding figure credited as foundational to modern pinball scene; comparison point for Jack Danger's potential legacy
Pinball historian and community figure; present at Expo; referenced for legal work establishing pinball as game of skill in New York City
Pinball designer mentioned in Mount Rushmore discussion
Jersey Jack Pinball representative; panelist on expanding pinball audience seminar
Jersey Jack Pinball representative; spotted playing Beetlejuice at Spooky booth during Beach event
Founder of IFPA (International Flipper Pinball Association); subject of 'The Man Who Saved the Game' biopic
Referenced in jest as competitor in pinball licensing/business space
Original Pinball Brothers founder; exited company in 2023 after not being involved since January 2022
Stern Pinball executive whose views on location pinball importance are discussed and disputed by hosts
Major pinball industry figure; appeared on Super Awesome Pinball Show; licensing expert who discussed Harry Potter and Star Wars licensing complexity
Pinball historian subject of 'The Man Who Saved the Game' biopic premiering in Toronto Feb 22
Featured in two-part miniseries on Loser Kid Pinball Podcast; pinball industry veteran
Josh Sharp's father; co-founder of IFPA in the 1990s; helped negotiate rights for Josh to take over IFPA name for WPPR system; early league play organizer with Steve Epstein.
Legendary figure in pinball history ('the man who saved pinball'); subject of Nate's historical interview series; mentor figure to Nate; former GQ writer who conducted early pinball interviews; featured in recent documentary 'Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game'.
Called Rob during episode; brief mention suggesting ongoing industry connections
Was scheduled to present seminars at Pintastic; flight canceled, forced to present remotely
Notable pinball industry figure with upcoming movie about his role in saving pinball; works across multiple coin-op companies and licensing
Licensing expert interviewed on Super Awesome Pinball Show; implied Stern could make Harry Potter games
Pinball historian known as 'father of pinball'; author of pinball books; licensed pinball designs with backglass artwork; competitive pinball player; joined interview at end.
Co-founder of PAPA and modernized IFPA with Steve Epstein; 45-year friendship; sent final tribute message
Legendary pinball designer, co-founder of IFPA with late Steve Epstein, known for securing pinball licenses; surprise call-in guest
Competitive pinball player; brother of Josh Sharp
Legendary pinball player/figure, winner of early Pinburgh tournaments (2015 winner referenced), mentor figure to Jeff Teolis
IFPA leadership figure; mentioned as knowing Steve Epstein closely; implied connection to tournament organization
Co-founder of competitive pinball with Steve Epstein; established legal framework establishing pinball as game of skill; involved in IFPA/PAPA growth.
Legendary pinball figure who 'saved pinball.' Attended Pinburg 2015 with Jeff, Dan, Randy Whiteford, and Steve Martin. Jeff has subsequently developed close relationship with him.
Referenced through banner/artwork at Bang Back related to pinball history
Josh Sharp's father; called in to give birthday greeting; described as 'a man of many words'; expressed pride in son's accomplishments.
Father of Josh and Zach Sharp; subject of upcoming pinball-themed movie being produced with professional actors
Subject of the film; historical figure who proved pinball was a game of skill in 1970s, lifting bans on pinball
Josh Sharp's father; mentioned positively regarding Colin's tournament participation
Early 1990s pinball player and league organizer in Chicago
Legendary pinball player; person Lauren wants to play head-to-head against
Best friend of Steve Epstein; participated in the running joke about Penni Epstein being Steve's 'daughter'.
Attended Pastimes Arcade's one-year anniversary; panelist on 40-year retrospective at 2024 Expo.
Collaborator with Steve Epstein on Papa competitive pinball system; contributes to Broadway Arcade legacy preservation.
Zach and Josh's father, legendary pinball game designer (Barracuda, Cyclops), pinball historian and industry figure
Josh's father, involved with American Pinball consulting on Hot Wheels licensing and team guidance
Father of Zach and Josh; legendary Stern figure known for NDA discipline; Zach learned leak/security protocols from him
Josh Sharp's father; left birthday message on podcast; approximately 5 years older than Josh; has glasses.
Zach Sharp's father; pioneering figure in pinball industry; known for handling sensitive information and NDAs
Board member/marketing director for Chicago Pinball Expo; family involved in pinball across generations
Veteran pinball player celebrating birthday at Pinburgh 2024; age 50; competitive participant in tournament; provides detailed analysis of Jurassic Park game design and Keith Owen's mechanics
Referenced as father figure; historical context of Sharp family involvement in IFPA
Pinball player, journalist, and legal advocate; won 1976 legal case establishing pinball as game of skill (reversing LaGuardia ban); co-creator with Steve Epstein of PAPA scoring system and competitive pinball infrastructure; lifelong friend and mentor to Epstein.
Legendary pinball designer; quoted regarding need for multiple manufacturers in healthy industry; contextual reference to Stern monopoly problem.
Referenced as figure with large mustache; possibly depicted in Pharaoh back glass; contrasted with Lawlor's speaking style
Discussed with hosts regarding pinball mainstream revival goals
Pinball personality; mentioned appearing on Wedgehead podcast discussing increased ball velocity in modern games.
Referenced as source on Stern design history and green superstition; previously appeared on Wedgehead Podcast
Williams engineer credited with securing the Elvira license opportunity; had to pitch the concept to skeptical design teams before Greg and Dennis embraced it
Historical pinball figure; famous story (unspecified) referenced in context of pinball being considered illegal in most places
Coined the term 'soft license'; appears in previous Wedgehead podcast episode; referenced as authority on licensing terminology.
Designer at Williams/Bally; selective about which licenses to pursue; designed Elvira, Batman, and others
Williams marketing director hired during pinball renaissance; convinced management to pursue licensing despite initial resistance
Pinball industry legend; subject of recent Wedgehead podcast episodes; known for extensive conversational interviews (6-7 hour production time for episodes with him); played and worked in pinball during 1990s golden era.
Pinball legend; mentioned in context of interview about early manufacturer cooperation and gentlemanly agreements
Author of 'Pinball with an Exclamation Point'; historical figure who influenced Papadiuk's career inspiration
Prominent pinball figure; claimed he nearly purchased Williams' pinball assets and could have accelerated pinball's resurgence if allowed; subject of documentary 'The Man Who Saved the Game'
Referenced as friend of Harry Williams; interviewed on Wedgehead podcast about pinball history
Pinball legend and designer who collaborated with Oursler on Barracora; known for legalizing pinball as game of skill
Pinball legend whose 1976 testimony to NYC Council proved pinball as game of skill; subject of 2022 documentary 'Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game' by Bragg brothers.
Guest on 'What's Cooking With' segment; licensing expert to discuss Disney strategy and regional restrictions.
Legendary pinball figure and mentor to Lyman; witnessed his competitive play at early PAPA tournaments; encouraged Lyman to leave MITRE for game design career; frames Lyman as industry standard-bearer
Pinball industry historian and designer; appearing on Pat Lawler's panel at Expo 40th; historically provided speakers for early Expos
Father of Josh and Zach Sharp; legendary figure who saved pinball through 1976 skill vs chance legal case
Most iconic name in pinball history; Jeff questions whether public knows him; used as baseline for celebrity recognition outside hobby
Recommended Steve Epstein as guest for Loser Kid podcast; legendary pinball figure interviewed on show; apparently unaware of Steve's serious illness at time of recommendation
Licensing consultant; provided input on Hot Wheels rules development; involved in licensing negotiations with Mattel.
Executive at Williams Bally Midway; recruited Michael Gottlieb; represented the old Bally era personnel still at the company.
Provided positive review of Fathom for Play Meter magazine
Designer credited by Python as true creator of Adam's Family; identified as 'guru that doesn't get enough' recognition alongside Harry Williams
Co-designer of original Barracuda layout; classic era Williams designer
Author of highly influential but hard-to-find pinball book 'Pinball', inspiration for Shalhoub's work, recently interviewed on Topcast
Pinball legend who visited during showcase; provided critical feedback on playfield geometry, ball flow, and flipper angles; emphasized importance of original design vs. remakes
Legendary pinball designer; judge; author; only designer with movie written about/starring him; described as 'safe pinball'
Mentioned as having provided critical feedback about ramp design ('that ramp was too narrow')
Mentioned humorously by hosts as preferring commercial games over homebrew after extensive expo viewing
Pinball memorabilia subject; vendor sold officially licensed t-shirts with misspelled license; booth unmanned during Expo
Co-designer of Barracora; co-creator of IFPA; vintage pinball designer and enthusiast.
1976 legal figure who demonstrated pinball as game of skill in court, leading to legalization of machines; considered 'pinball royalty'
Prominent pinball personality; played Big Trouble at Expo; video of gameplay reached ~80,000 views; described as likable and energetic
Attending Pinball at the Beach for screening of 'The Man Who Saved the Game'
Veteran pinball player; played Beetlejuice on Day 1; provided positive feedback on game quality
Vintage pinball enthusiast with booth at Expo; seen playing Ninja Eclipse; signing action figures
Skilled pinball player credited with demonstrating pinball is a game of skill (cited by Jeremy regarding court system case)
Subject of pinball documentary 'The Man Who Saved the Game,' Martin knows him personally
Legendary pinball figure, confirmed to appear on episode for approximately one hour
Guest on recent Pinball Nerds episode; achieved higher than average listener count (~500)
Featured guest on Orbital Albert's holiday special; described as highlight of Orbital Albert's podcasting career
Pinball historian/author; attended Expo; signed his book for hosts; described as 'very approachable' and willing to discuss reissues
Historical figure credited with saving pinball; testified to NYC Council in 1976 to demonstrate pinball as skill game, leading to legalization
Josh Sharp's father; referred to as 'the guy who saved pinball'; founder/figure of Stern pinball legacy
Pinball figure mentioned as one of the most famous people in pinball community
Brought Elvira license opportunity to Williams designers
Notable player seen at Expo playing Celts; vintage pinball enthusiast involved in tournament commentary